Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
EASY STEPS TO HANG GARDEN MIRRORS
Build a pine frame for a mirror – or three – and wall-mount to reflect light and give the illusion of more space in a small, dark courtyard.
Gather your supplies
• Frame 42 x 31mm x 5.4m primed treated pine
• 900 x 600 x 3mm acrylic mirror
• Backing 1220 x 610 x 6mm marine plywood
You’ll also need Trimmer fitted with 9mm rebate bit; mitre saw; tape measure; pencil; PVA glue; nail gun with 50mm galvanised nails; black exterior paint; paintbrush; glass silicone; caulking gun; 20mm button head screws; 8mm screw eyes; hanging wire; wire rope grips; 6.5mm masonry drill bit; green wall plug; galvanised 50mm screws
Here’s how
STEP 1 Sit treated pine on edge and use trimmer to cut a 4mm deep rebate along 1 edge of it.
STEP 2 Use mitre saw to cut frame pieces to size to suit your mirror. Measure, mark and cut on inside of rebate as this is the critical measurement to suit mirror. Cut ends on a 45° angle to mitre joins in corners.
STEP 3 Spread glue on ends and bring pieces of frame together. Hold the frame against a block. Make 1 join tight and nail together. Repeat for all corners. Measure diagonals to check frame for square and leave to dry.
STEP 4 Apply 2 coats of black paint to frame. Let dry after each coat.
STEP 5 Run a thin bead of silicone around bottom corner of rebate and sit mirror on top, pressing it down. Squirt more silicone into gap between mirror and frame, smoothing it off with your finger.
STEP 6 Cut ply backing 10mm shorter than frame. Sit over mirror with 5mm gap to all edges. Predrill and screw backing to frame with button head screws. Paint backing black.
STEP 7 Towards the top, predrill and insert screw eyes through backing into frame. Attach hanging wire to screw eyes and use wire rope grips to tighten loop around eyes.
STEP 8 Set out position of frame on wall and position screw to hang it on, taking into account the slack on the hanging wire. Drill hole with 6.5mm masonry drill bit, insert green plug, then a 50mm screw. Leave screw slightly proud so the hanging wire catches on it.